A nurse is reinforcing teaching with an adolescent client who has a new diagnosis of lactose intolerance. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "You should drink rice milk instead of cow's milk.": Rice milk is lactose-free and can be a good alternative for individuals with lactose intolerance. It provides hydration and, when fortified, may offer calcium without triggering symptoms. B. "You should gradually increase lactose products in your diet.": While some people with lactose intolerance can tolerate small amounts of lactose, gradual reintroduction is not appropriate as a blanket recommendation and may still cause discomfort. C. "You should eat flavored yogurt instead of plain yogurt.": Flavored yogurt contains added sugars and is not necessarily better tolerated than plain yogurt. In fact, plain yogurt with live cultures is often easier to digest due to the presence of probiotics. D. "You should limit your intake of calcium-fortified orange juice.": Calcium-fortified orange juice is a beneficial source of calcium for people avoiding dairy. Limiting it unnecessarily can reduce calcium intake in adolescents who need it for bone development.